How does your home security measure up?

By controlling access, providing visibility, and maintaining your property, you’ll not only protect your belongings and home, but your family as well.

Access

Thieves tend to focus on homes with easy access. Their goal: to get in and out as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, some homeowners unwittingly make themselves an easy target by forgetting to lock their doors, windows or garage.

On the other hand, if you take a few extra seconds to make sure all entrances are secure, you’ll add precious minutes to the time it would take a burglar to get in your house. This makes it more likely they’ll skip your home and try to find an easier mark.

Visibility

It may seem we’re stating the obvious, but criminals don’t like to be seen committing crimes. That’s why they stick to dark targets, such as those that are poorly lit or blocked by trees.

You have multiple options for increasing your entry points’ visibility. Make sure your home is well lit and your trees and bushes are well trimmed. Of course, the ultimate measure to increase visibility is a security camera, and a prominent one can be an effective deterrent.

Maintenance

Maintaining your home and the property it sits on not only adds to curb appeal, it increases your safety. Keep your place well-kept to make would-be criminals aware your home is occupied and secured. Replace broken windows, locks, doors and fences when needed. Clear away loose rocks to avoid vandalism and break-ins. And make sure your house number is easily visible so your home can be quickly located by first responders.